My Roommate Is Addicted: What Should I Do?

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Your roommate is not just a friend. Your roommate is a person you see almost every day, a person that you have a financial agreement with and a person you may recognize as an addict. What do you do when you realize your roommate has an addiction? Depending on your living situation and your roommate relationship, there are many things you can do to help.

Protecting Yourself from an Addicted Roommate

You must put your safety first. If your roommate is exhibiting erratic or dangerous behavior, you may need to leave your house or apartment. Although you may be rightly concerned about your roommate’s financial obligations, health and safety must come first. If you feel unsure about your situation, make a safety plan in case your roommate experiences a crisis. Know how to exit the apartment if needed. Document all erratic behavior and known substance use and store your documentation in a secure, safe place. Consult a lawyer or your landlord for assistance.

Getting Help for an Addicted Roommate

Many people still believe the antiquated myth that addiction is a moral failing. Scientists and doctors now understand that addiction is a disease that is associated with changes in brain structure and chemistry. Addiction requires treatment in order to be helped. Drug addiction and alcoholism will only become worse without treatment. Addiction is not a problem that a person can simply walk away from without getting help. If you are close to your roommate, you may want to consider seeking help for your roommate. If you know your roommate’s family, consider working with the family to stage an intervention. Interventions require careful planning, so please make sure you conduct your intervention correctly. Whether you are or are not close to your roommate, please consider calling our toll-free helpline to find out how you might be able to help. Every situation is different. Our recovery experts are here to help you explore your options.

Find Addiction Support Now

No matter what the outcome may be, you may want to consider offering help to your roommate. We can provide you with the information you need to get started. We can help you work with your roommate’s family, your roommate or simply discuss your concerns. We can provide you with information on rehab treatment, mental health treatment, integrated treatment, detox services and addiction support. Call any time to find out how we can help you today. All calls are free to you and completely confidential.